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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

IS MANGO COMPATIBLE WITH DIABETES? SOME SEEM TO THINK SO!

Strange are the ways science comes up with new findings, demolishing prevalent beliefs! Here is the latest "finding" by a group of scientists who feel that ripe Mango consumption, in stead of aggravating the blood sugar level can actually brings down the same suggesting in a way that those consumers with sugar compromised problem can safely eat this exotic fruit without any "guilt" feeling! A closer look at the report reveals that this interpretation of their research studies is based on experiments with a few volunteers. What can a person affected by diabetes make out of this study? Absolutely nothing. In India many diabetic experts lament the tendency on the part of those with this disease to indulge in mango eating during the season which result in going their sugar level haywire! The new study seems to be contradicting the experience these physicians have dealing with their patients. Here is a take on this controversial subject which may get attention in the coming days by scientists around the world due to its repercussions.

Consumption of mangoes may potentially have a positive effect on blood sugar in obese individuals and help to limit inflammation, according to a new research.The study led by Edralin Lucas, Ph.D., associate professor of nutritional sciences at Oklahoma State University, examined the effects of daily mango consumption on clinical parameters and body composition in obese subjects (body mass index, BMI = 30kg/m2). Twenty adults (11 males and 9 females) participated in the study, which included daily dietary supplementation with 10 grams of freeze dried mango (equivalent to approximately 100 grams of fresh mango, according to Dr. Lucas) for 12 weeks. Blood sugar levels at the conclusion of the study were significantly lower than the baseline in both male and female subjects. There were no significant changes in body composition for either gender, and BMI increased significantly in female subjects but not male subjects compared to baseline. These findings are the result of a single study and more research is needed on the effects of mango consumption on human health. "The results of this study support what we learned in our recent animal model, which found that mango improved blood glucose in mice fed a high fat diet," said Dr. Lucas. "Although the mechanism by which mango exerts its effects warrants further investigation, we do know that mangeos contain a complex mixture of polyphenolic compounds. Research has shown that several other plants and their polyphenolic compounds, such as isoflavone from soy , epigallocatechin gallate from green tea , and proanthocyanidin from grape seed , have a positive effect on adipose tissue," the researcher stated.

Of course the study only says that the results are based on experiments on obese people and is silent on whether it is equally applicable to normal healthy individuals and those having diabetes. The conclusion that mango consumption may have effect on controlling inflammation and blood glucose is based on the theory that the polyphenols present in this fruit help to bring about the benefits attributed. If this is true why mango alone? Other fruits, a few dozens in number commonly consumed all have plenty of polyphenols, even greater than that present in mango and the million dollar question is whether all colored fruits would be equally effective as mango? The authors did state that more studies are needed in this area to bring about better clarity on the issue ans sure enough more scientists can be expected to take up studies in this area.